Medal of Honor is the better Page 1 story: A letter to the editor

Re: "This man is a first-year law student at Tulane. He also committed murder in 1992. His admission sparks debate about second chances," Page A1, Sept. 16.

I was dumbfounded that your paper would decide to headline a story of a murderer and thief and a bunch of lawyers-to-be worried about their safety on Page 1. Who really cares? A few other lawyers? I didn't care that this man feels he may be unfairly judged for his past murderous ways.

Then I continue browsing and find the story about a U.S. Marine Corps hero who was awarded the Medal of Honor on Page 6. This hero, Sgt. Dakota Meyer, "repeatedly barreled straight into a ferocious 'killing zone' in Afghanistan to save 36 lives at extraordinary risk to himself" while shrapnel ripped through his body. His story and his picture should have been on the first page with a big bold headline.

What is wrong with writing about honor, courage, commitment and the best America has to offer? I wondered why it was not important enough to be front page? Could it be that some of your readers and writers may find our wars reprehensible? Try and forget that for a moment. This Medal of Honor story is about a great man of immeasurable character and courage. He should be heralded, not relegated to the bowels of the A section.

I admit I struggle with the incredibly short length of Bruce Reilly's sentence for murder and robbery. I am trying to be fair and believe that he has every right to apply and be accepted to any law school that is willing to accept a convicted murderer. I guess what really saddens me is that a man who viciously takes a life is thought to be a better read than the story of an American serviceman who saved 36 other brave fighting men.